BPA free plastic fantastic

Is your plastic water bottle BPA free? Look on the underside for a triangle with a number in it. Hopefully, it is #2, #4 or #5. That means it?s made from a ‘safe’ plastic designed for re-use such as hi or low-density polyethylene or polypropylene.

If not, throw it away.

BPA has been in the news recently for its unwelcome presence in plastic baby bottles and the lining of tin cans. Plastics marked #3 (PVC) and #7 (polycarbonate) may not be BPA free and are best avoided by children and adults. They can leach potential endocrine disruptors and/or highly dangerous dioxins into your ‘healthy’ water.

Glass and stainless steel are excellent safe choices and there are plenty of options to choose from.

No bottle is good for health if it is not washed regularly in hot biodegradable soapy water, so be sure that the opening at the top gives you good access for cleaning purposes.

Check other plastic containers you use regularly for this coding system and make informed choices about what plastics are right for your family.

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Lindy Schneider is a writer and researcher with a keen interest in health, wellbeing and natural childcare. She is an advocator of a chemical-free lifestyle in the best interests of her family, the community and a sustainable world. She lives in the Yarra Valley with her partner and two young children.